What is the initial step involved in the sealed bidding process?

The initial step in the sealed bidding process is the preparation of invitations for bids. This step involves creating detailed documents that outline the requirements, specifications, terms, and conditions necessary for potential bidders to respond appropriately. These invitations serve as the foundation for the bidding process, ensuring that all bidders are aware of what is expected and can submit their proposals accordingly.

By clearly defining the project's needs and the criteria upon which bids will be evaluated, this preparation phase is critical in promoting transparency and fairness in the sourcing process. It sets the stage for the subsequent steps, such as publicizing the invitation, receiving submissions, and finally evaluating the bids. If the invitations are not well-prepared, it could lead to confusion among bidders, which could result in suboptimal bids or a lack of participation. Thus, having thorough and accurate invitations is essential for a successful sealed bidding process.